25 September 2023 , 07:09
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This is the new DS 4, and it's a tricky thing to pigeonhole. Part luxury-hatch, part crossover, part coupe-on-stilts, it doesn't really have a lot in the way of direct rivals. Not yet, anyway.
If you're thinking the shape is reminiscent of the Renault Arkana, it might be, but this car is in a different league in terms of fit and finish. Put it next to a Lexus UX and you'd be lining up a fairer fight, but it's still a very different proposition.
In case you weren't aware, by the way, DS has split off from Citroen, as its premium brand. Much as Lexus is to Toyota, and Genesis is to Hyundai.
If you know what you're looking at there's some familiar follow-ons from other cars in the Stellantis stable, but DS is designed to be individual, and the brand really is standing out.
DS4In the right colour, the DS 4's proportions are quite lovely. The busy design creases won't enchant everyone, but they're all the rage at the moment, as are the slim, fussy lights and the recessed door handles.
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Inside, it's minimalist, but done in a sensible way. In the right spec, the seats are gorgeous to sit in, and there's a few physical buttons to save you having to tap at the big infotainment screen.
And then there's a funny little touch-screen just in front of the slide-o-matic gear selector. It's a funny thing, this. Essentially, it's a touchscreen to control the touchscreen. Confused? Yes, I was too, at first, but it's actually a way to input gesture controls like a swipe, or even scrawl in sat nav direction letters. Is it a gimmick? After a week in the car I was still undecided. It works pretty well once it's set up, but I do wonder how much I'd use it in the long term. I still think the best shortcut system was perfected by BMW's row of buttons, but buttons really aren't allowed any more.
Elsewhere in the cabin, it's a lovely place to sit. A bit dark in the back, perhaps, but there's as much space as you'd expect in a car of this shape, and the boot is pretty decent.
I tested the DS 4 in its plug-in hybrid form, which is likely to be the most popular. It's a good setup, with 222bhp total, and the promise of a 38.5 mile WLTP electric range. There's petrol and diesel engines, but they all come with automatic transmissions.
The DS 4 is no hot hatch, let's make no mistake, so you won't be surprised to learn that it's no speed machine in the corners. It rides well, as you'd expect from a marque with such pedigree, and the steering feels accurate. It never feels out of its depth, but it doesn't really excite you either. I'm not sure that's really the point, though.
What it's best at is long cruises. Given this is technically a hatchback, it's certainly one of the more comfortable and refined. Massage seats are available, and there's a great stereo. You can munch the miles in a calm and serene environment, with a host of driver aids and even trick road-scanning adaptive suspension. It's rather lovely.
Post-production : Astuce ProductionsAnd then we arrive at the price. It's impossible to spec one down below £30,000, but surprisingly easy to head towards £50,000, so it's very much a premium product at a premium price.
Hopping up to the PHEV version is pricey, but it's worth it, and some of the options on the list are fairly reasonably priced. It's a confusing range, so be prepared to spend a bit of time mulling over your ideal setup, but that's the fun bit, isn't it?
And you'll arrive at a really nice car. A plush interior, a generous amount of tech, a trendy, tax-busting plug-in drivetrain and those lovely looks. It seems pricey until you get in it, then it just feels really nice. It might just be the pick of the DS range, in fact.
FAST FACTS
Model tested: DS 4 Opera E-TENSE 225
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Prices start at: £46,150
0-60mph: 7.7 seconds
BHP: 225bhp
Range: 38.44 miles
Economy: 269.5 combined
CO2: 28g/km
Road Tax: £170